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IT Degrees In Cyber Security And Network Administration Coming To Blair

Beginning in Fall 2019, the Penn Highlands Blair Center will be adding to its diverse list of academic offerings with two tracks from within the Information Technology associate degree: Cyber Security and Network Administration.

Information Technology is an Associate of Applied Science degree that focuses on many of today’s technologies critical to business and industry. Blair will offer tracks in Cyber Security and Network Administration, providing students with a core foundation depending on which track they choose.

Cyber Security focuses on the most critical and quickly changing area of the industry, providing students with the ability to not only administer networks but also to secure those networks and conduct penetration tests to ensure they are not vulnerable to attacks. Graduates will have an understanding of computer hardware, operating systems, networking, databases, programming, and defensive and offensive security.

Network Administration provides students with the ability to configure a variety of network devices, such as routers and switches. Graduates will have an understanding of local and wide area network technologies, telecommunications, wireless communications, and network connectivity.

“Our recent expansion paved the way for programs like Cyber Security and Network Administration in the Altoona area,” stated Julie Patosky, Blair Center Director at Penn Highlands Community College. “Many in-demand careers are found within Information Technology, and we are happy to offer these opportunities to the local population.”

Both Information Technology tracks will be offered at the Penn Highlands Blair Center, located in the Logan Valley Mall.